Back in 1976, when LaMendola was still Shenandoah school, the hair similar to the Mr. Spock in the TV series might have been all the rage, but Brianna said it looked silly today.
Brianna and 19 other members of LaMendola’s Student Council last week cracked open two popcorn tins that served as makeshift time capsules to explore their contents. As they rummaged through school history, a few students couldn’t help but giggle at some of the hairdos and fashion styles.
One capsule was stored in 1976, back when “Jaws” was still causing a feeding frenzy at the box office and Buick Skylarks still rolled off the GM assembly lines.
The other was stored 25 years later, in 2002, when students first opened the original capsule. Students made their own capsule with the intention of sending it 25 years into the future, but LaMendola Elementary is closing this year as the district prepares to open five new elementary schools for the 2011-12 school year. The LaMendola students will be sent to one of these five schools.
Student Council opened the capsules as a preview to the school’s “past, present, future” event on March 4, which will feature historic photos and artifacts and speakers who include current and retired teachers.
The time capsules give students a hands-on appreciation of history, which can feel removed to them when presented only in books and lessons, said third-grade teacher Anne Dabkowski.
Some students, such as second-grader Ben Palma, said they are bummed about LaMendola closing. But Principal Delores Pugh urged students to look forward to new experiences and adventures and also carry on the LaMendola traditions wherever they end up.
“These are our LaMendola memories, but you’ll get a chance to make new memories at your new schools,” Pugh said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-0749 or cfrolik@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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